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1973 Vespa 200 Rally Overview
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally is a scooter motorcycle built around 198 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two stroke, single cylinder, horisontal cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 8.2:1. 1973 Vespa 200 Rally delivers 9.2 kW @ 5700 rpm of peak power. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 110 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1973 200 Rally tips the scales at 103 kg, carries an 8.2 L fuel tank and spans a 1230 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 1973 Vespa 200 Rally spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
1973 Vespa 200 Rally compared with other bikes in the Scooter category
Here is how the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally stacks up against other bikes in the Scooter category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1110 models.
- Engine displacement of 198 cc is larger than that of 751 of the other 1109 bikes in the Scooter category.
- Only 131 of the other 368 bikes in the Scooter category have a higher top speed than the 110 km/h of the 200 Rally.
- Narrowing the field to the 13 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 198 cc is larger than that of 11 of the other 12.
1973 200 Rally - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Capable power output: At 9.2 kW @ 5700 rpm, the 200 Rally holds its own against class rivals.
Considerations
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Drum rear brake: The drum rear brake is adequate but lacks the modulation and fade resistance of a disc setup found on more modern equivalents.
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Modest fuel capacity: The 8.2 L tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
200 Rally's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the 200 Rally runs Coil spring with hydraulic shock absorber, double effect and Coil spring with hydraulic shock absorber, double effect at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Pressed sheet steel, streamlined monocoque structure - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Low-speed handling
At just 103 kg, the 200 Rally is light enough to manhandle easily at a standstill - one of the practical advantages of its class.
200 Rally - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 1973 Vespa 200 Rally with its 198 cc scooter, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. Now 53 years old, this scooter is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 200 Rally should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the 200 Rally's 198 cc two stroke, single cylinder, horisontal cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With an 8.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
1973 Vespa 200 Rally - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally have?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally uses a Two stroke, single cylinder, horisontal cylinder engine with 198 cc of displacement. It is air cooled, forced.
What is the top speed of the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally has a factory-quoted top speed of 110 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally weigh?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally weighs 103 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally make?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally produces 9.2 kW @ 5700 rpm of power.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally has an 8.2 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 136-163 km between stops.
What brakes does the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally have?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally uses 125 mm drum, expanding type at the front and 127 mm drum, expanding type at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally use?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally runs 3.5 x 10" front and 3.5 x 10" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1973 Vespa 200 Rally have?
The 1973 Vespa 200 Rally is fitted with a 4 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Two stroke, single cylinder, horisontal cylinder
Power
9.2 kW / 12.5 hp @ 5700 rpm
Top Speed
110 km/h / 68 mph
Fuel Capacity
8.2 L / 2.2 US gal
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Full 1973 Vespa 200 Rally Specifications
Year
1972 - 79
Make Model
Vespa 200 Rally
Total Produced
41 700 units
Wheelbase
1230 mm / 48.4 in
Ground Clearance
130 mm / 5.2 in
Height
1070 mm / 42.1 in
Length
1770 mm / 69.6 in
Turning Circle
1400 mm / 55 in
Width
690 mm / 27.6 in
Dry Weight
103 kg / 227 lbs
Fuel Capacity
8.2 L / 2.2 US gal
Displacement
198 cc / 12 cub in
Engine Detail
Two stroke, single cylinder, horisontal cylinder
Bore x Stroke
66.5 x 57 mm
Carburetor
Dell'Orto SI 24/24 E
Compression Ratio
8.2:1
Cooling System
Air cooled, forced
Fuel Consumption
3 L/100 km / 33 km/l / 78 US mpg
Fuel Mixture
1:50
Fuel Reserve
1.8 L / 0.47 US gal
Ignition
Electronic
Spark Plug
Marelli CW 7 LTP, Champion N 88, Bosch W240 T2, KLG FE 80, Lodge 2H LH
Starter
Kick start
Clutch
Wet, multiplate
Final Drive
Direct drive
Gear Ratios
1st 13.42 / 2nd 9.13 / 3rd 6.32 / 4th 4.71:1
Transmission / Drive
4 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh
Frame Type
Pressed sheet steel, streamlined monocoque structure
Suspension - Front
Coil spring with hydraulic shock absorber, double effect
Suspension - Rear
Coil spring with hydraulic shock absorber, double effect
Brakes - Front
125 mm drum, expanding type
Brakes - Rear
127 mm drum, expanding type
Tyres - Front
3.5 x 10"
Tyres - Rear
3.5 x 10"
Wheels
Interchangeable, split rim
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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